Check out advanced chapters on P@treon: [email protected]/CosmicKaminari
----------
"Stop spouting nonsense!"
Aramaki felt like he was caught in a self-proving trap and was quite annoyed.
"Brother Daichi, the Celestial Dragons are the gods of this world, and the World Government they created has the right to rule the world!"
"Every region in this world is under the jurisdiction of the World Government, and there is no problem with building toll booths here!"
"As for non-member countries, they have no human rights."
"Brother Aramaki."
Daichi lifted his chin, his eyes cold.
"Do you want to die here?"
Aramaki promptly shut his mouth.
What's there to be angry about!
Daichi snorted coldly and looked at Fujitora.
"Admiral Fujitora, do you share the same view as this fool?"
"I don't think so."
Fujitora shook his head and said. "To me, all lives in this world are the same. There is no distinction between high and low, noble and humble."
"I also agree with what you just said."
"Hey, Issho!"
Aramaki yelled at Fujitora in exasperation.
"Whose side are you on!"
"I stand on the side of justice."
Fujitora remained unmoved.
"Well said!"
Daichi clapped his hands.
"Reverse Mountain Canal connects all seas except the New World. It can be said to be the most important intersection in the world!"
"Now, over a hundred countries rely on this canal to go to Erumalu Trade Port, gathering together to trade, buy needed supplies, and sell surplus resources."
"Fujitora, Aramaki, do you know what this means?"
Both of them frowned.
They didn't understand business matters.
"Let me tell you."
Daichi said calmly. "This means that countries can exchange what they have for what they lack, gaining extra income, and no longer have to exhaust their military and sell their weapons like before!"
"It means that countries will be able to easily pay the Heavenly Tribute in the future, and countless poor people will receive some benefits, able to eat a full meal!"
"It means that war is no longer the only way to acquire wealth. Through trade, countries can also develop steadily, and wars will be greatly reduced!"
"It means world stability and peace!"
"These are the greatest meanings of Reverse Mountain's existence!"
War is risky. Many countries wear themselves out fighting, and the returns are severely disproportionate to the effort. If countries can maintain national stability through trade, why risk national annihilation to start a war? It's much better to develop steadily, and this world hasn't reached a point of resource scarcity. Even if some countries are keen on war, they are a minority.
"Clap clap clap!"
The camera flashes were incessant.
Nice!
Daichi secretly glanced at the camera and the many reporters, praising them in his heart, then lightly coughed and continued his speech.
"But now, the World Government wants to destroy all of this, wanting to use tariffs as high as 70% to prevent member nations from trading, preventing the people of various countries from eating their fill."
"A high tariff of 70% can make the price of a loaf of bread rise from 30 Berry to 60 Berry, making most people unable to afford bread!"
"Therefore, we are here!"
"Even if it escalates into an all-out war with the World Government, I will tear this place down and stop the tyranny of the World Government!"
"The philosophy of our Hoenn Government is to ensure that the people can eat their fill, wear new clothes without patches, have happy families, and face life with a smile!"
"Thud."
The notebook fell to the ground.
Many reporters were in tears, their hearts filled with warmth.
Mr. Daichi possesses such great righteousness!
To witness this scene was truly the greatest fortune of their lives.
They thought of the news headlines.
"Let the world be filled with love!"
The two Admirals had long been speechless.
They really hadn't thought so much, nor had they considered this aspect, or rather, they didn't understand politics.
Aramaki was a small police officer before, and Fujitora was a debt collector's bodyguard, and later served as a captain of a certain country's army, but that country perished under his protection.
At this moment, both of them realized how severe this mission was.
The most crucial issue was that so many reporters were watching. If they spoke out against it, it could cause serious repercussions.
But if they didn't speak, wouldn't that be tantamount to tacitly agreeing to the other party's words?
That's even worse.
The World Government is almost becoming the big villain!
Sweat beaded on Aramaki's forehead, and he quickly looked at Fujitora beside him.
"Brother Issho—huh?"
Aramaki looked at the relieved smile on Fujitora's face, couldn't help but clench his fists, his entire face turning as black as the bottom of a pot.
The situation is urgent, how can you still be smiling!
Damn it, hurry up and think of a solution!
If it comes to that, we can even pull down a meteor and pretend it's a natural disaster, clearing out all the reporters present!
Not only were the two of them flustered, but the Five Elders watching the live broadcast were also flustered.
Saint Jaygarcia Saturn furiously ordered.
"Cut the live broadcast quickly!"
"Saint Saturn, it's not us broadcasting worldwide, but the Hoenn Government. We can't cut the broadcast."
"Bastard!"
Saint Saturn's eyes twisted in anger, and an invisible force enveloped the officer's body, causing him to explode like being hit by a cannonball.
Anger affected the innocent.
Saint Nusjuro covered his forehead.
"We've been played!"
"That Daichi deliberately led us to increase tariffs, thereby putting us in a passive position in public opinion!"
"His goal is not just trade, but also to promote the Hoenn Government!"
"It's too late to say anything now!"
"Order the fleet to immediately bombard and clear out the reporters on the coast, at least to prevent the situation from getting worse!"
"Tell Aramaki to find the live broadcast Den Den Mushi!"
"Everyone, prepare to descend!"
Orders were quickly issued.
Reverse Mountain Sea, Marine fleet.
The cabin of one of the large warships.
"We have no choice but to act!"
Saint Nusjuro drew his Shodai Kitetsu, killing intent spreading in his eyes.
The turn of events had already exceeded the World Government's control, and before it escalated into a worse situation, they were forced to intervene.
But before landing, they needed to clear out the troublesome reporters. The appearance of a god could not be known by mortals.
"Quick, full speed ahead!"
"Prepare for bombardment!"
"Aim the cannons at the reporters on shore!"
Nearly a hundred warships suddenly accelerated, breaking into the Hoenn Marines' exercise area, and rapidly approaching Reverse Mountain.
The sudden situation caught the Hoenn Marines somewhat off guard.
"Oh my, what's going on?"
Kuzan frowned as he watched the approaching Marine fleet. Their actions clearly did not align with his judgment.
Even if there was an accident in Daichi's communication with the two Marine Headquarters Admirals, the Marines shouldn't have attacked like they lost their minds.
But he remembered Daichi's arrangement: when the Marines act, they must not make the first move. They must let the Marines fire the first shot.
Reverse Mountain, on shore.
Daichi faced the two Admirals, his calm gaze seemingly overlooking the defeated. He had completely won this exchange.
"Hmm?!"
Suddenly, all three turned their heads simultaneously!
"Boom!"
A cannonball exploded violently not far away, in the area where the reporters were located. Just one cannonball affected nearly half of the reporters!
"Waaahhh!"
Screams rose and fell!
It was the Marine fleet!
"Damn it, who gave the order!"
Aramaki roared in anger.
Although he also wanted to clear out the troublesome reporters, as an Admiral, he would at most think about such a thing. He couldn't actually do it.
The reporters were not people from non-member countries.
"Could it be!"
Aramaki quickly realized the truth.
There was only one possibility for someone to override them and issue a bombardment order to the fleet: it was the Five Elders who came with them.
Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro!
Daichi looked coldly at the two.
"Is this how your World Government operates?"
The two Marine Admirals' faces were grim, their veins bulging!
Damn it!